General Ulysses S. Grant and his Involvement in the Civil War By US_Grant Apr 12, 1861 Confederate forces bombard Fort Sumter Grant re-enters the army after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. Apr 15, 1861 Grant re-enters the army after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. Jun 15, 1861 Grant is appointed as Colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Jul 31, 1861 Grant is promoted to Brigaider General, because of Congressmen Washburn's support. Feb 6, 1862 Grant is victorious at Fort Henry, Tennessee Feb 16, 1862 Grant accepts the surrender if the Confederates at Fort Donelson, Tenessee, earning the nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant. Apr 6, 1862 The Battle of Shiloh occured, causing over 23,000 casualties to take place. It lasted 2 days. Jan 1, 1863 Emancipation Proclamation starts to go into effect. Grant appoints Chaplain John Eaton to save and care for African Americans from the south. Mar 27, 1863 Grant abandons plan to bypass Vicksburg by building a canal. Jul 4, 1863 Grant accepts General Pemberton's surrender at Vicksburg, as planned. Dec 8, 1863 Lincoln writes a thanks Grant "for the skill, courage,and preserverance" Grant has exhibited as a leader. Mar 9, 1864 Grant is appointed to become Lieutenant General of the Union by Abraham Lincoln Jan 15, 1865 Abraham Lincoln is assasinated. Jan 31, 1865 Confederate Peace Comissioners go to Grant's headquarters in City Point to debate on terms for surrender and peace unsuccesfully. Apr 3, 1865 Grant captures Petersburg and Richmond. Apr 9, 1865 General Ulysses S. Grant accepts the surrender of General Robert E. Lee along with the army he commanded, the Army of Northern Virginia.
